The End of the Sun News

Hi folks,
In today's post, we would love to invite you to explore the second part of how The End of The Sun, a Slavic fantasy adventure game, was created. You can learn about its main character, the Ashter, its story evolution, and the balance between fantasy and historical inspiration.

Creating The End of The Sun has been an incredible journey, full of evolution, challenges, and surprises. What started as a simple concept inspired by Slavic culture has grown into a deeply immersive experience combining storytelling, puzzles, and exploration. Here’s a glimpse into how we brought this world to life.



[h3]The Ashter: A Real-Life Witcher of the Slavic Mythology[/h3]

One of the central figures in the game is the Ashter(Zhret), a character rooted in Slavic traditions. Historically, Ashters (Zhrets) were priests who led rituals, offered sacrifices to gods, and served as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. They also possessed cosmological knowledge and performed acts of divination.

In our game, the Ashter is part of an elite group of “chosen ones” with unique abilities. They can see and interact with the supernatural—spirits, demons, and magical creatures—and possess deep knowledge of the otherworldly. While they share some similarities with witchers, Ashters focus more on the spiritual and intangible aspects of the world. With strong ties to fire magic, the Ashter can influence events and uncover hidden truths through flames, making them a powerful and mysterious guide in the player’s journey.

We like to think of the Ashter as a Slavic Gandalf, a figure of wisdom, magic, and profound connection to the mystical world.



[h3]Crafting The Story of The End of The Sun[/h3]

The writing process was a marathon rather than a sprint. The first ideas for the storyline emerged in late 2016, during the autumn and winter months. From there, the narrative evolved continuously, with changes and additions even up to the recording sessions for the final dialogues. Adjustments to quest texts and narrative prompts continued until we handed over the script to translators—just a few days before the deadline!

Initially, the game was intended to be relatively simple, leaning toward a walking simulator focused on storytelling. Over time, the project expanded significantly. We introduced more complex quests, added new content, and developed addictive puzzles to challenge players. The final version of the game includes a mix of genres, blending storytelling, adventure mechanics, and detective-style investigation.



[h3]Balancing Fantasy and Historical Influence of Slavic Culture[/h3]

To enrich the game’s world, we incorporated objects and tools once used in Slavic cultures, such as querns, rope-making machines, and knife sharpeners. While these elements add an educational touch, we’ve always emphasized that The End of The Sun is a fantasy game, not a historical simulation. This approach allows us creative freedom while sidestepping potential critiques from historians regarding historical accuracy.



[h3]Behind The Scenes of The End of The Sun: A Small Team with a Big Vision[/h3]

Bringing The End of The Sun to life has been a labor of love. From researching every detail to refining gameplay mechanics and crafting a cohesive narrative, we’ve poured countless hours into making this experience as immersive and engaging as possible. While the game has grown far beyond its original scope, we’re proud of how it has turned out.

Whether you’re drawn to the rich tapestry of Slavic culture, the unique gameplay mechanics, or the engaging story, we hope The End of The Sun offers something special for every player.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we can’t wait for you to step into the world we’ve created! Mark your calendars: January 2025 is the date!



[h3]Check out our earlier dev Update:[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/912840/view/4456967897002016852


[h2]3 steps to do in 1 minute to help us in marketing: [/h2]

• Click THUMB UP under this update. With more thumbs, more players will see it.
  
• FOLLOW and WISHLIST our game.
  
• [color]Follow us on TikTok HERE[/color][color].[/color] This is really important for us.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/912840/The_End_of_the_Sun/




Thanks for all your ongoing support! 🔥
The End of the Sun Team

Hello Adventurers!
Welcome to another post in the Discover The End of The Sun series!

This time, we’d like to give you a glimpse into the narrative background and the early development of the game. We’ll share how it all began, what inspired us, and which elements of Slavic culture you’ll encounter while playing.
This is a detailed post that we’ll divide into two parts—today is part one, and the second will follow next week! Enjoy the read, adventurers!
And don’t miss the brand-new screenshots hidden in the text!

[h3]The Beginning of an Adventure with Slavic Myths[/h3]
When we first started brainstorming for The End of The Sun, one of our earliest inspirations was the idea of tying the four seasons to the stages of human life. Jakub came up with the concept that the changing seasons could symbolize the fleeting nature of life, with each season representing a key phase:

- Spring: A time of rebirth and childhood, full of new beginnings.
- Summer: The peak of life—youth, energy, and vibrancy.
- Autumn: A reflective middle age, marked by a mix of maturity and a hint of melancholy.
- Winter: The calm and stillness of old age, life’s final chapter.

This idea became the backbone of our game, influencing not just the story but also the mood, visuals, and emotional weight we wanted to convey.



[h3]Bringing the World to Life with Photogrammetry[/h3]
The next big question was: how do we bring this vision to life? That’s when we turned to photogrammetry—a technique that let us capture the incredible details of real-world objects and landscapes. As we explored local landmarks and cultural gems, it hit us how much potential there was in showcasing our regional heritage, something that’s often overlooked in media—especially in video games.

From this, the idea grew to celebrate the depth of Slavic culture, its legends, and age-old traditions. Even if some of these stories are now only faint echoes, they’re still worth preserving and bringing to light.



[h3]Building Worlds with Museums and Myths[/h3]
To bring authenticity to The End of The Sun, we teamed up with local ethnographic museums, like the Open-Air Museum of Pogórzańska Village in Szymbark and the Grociarnia in Jastrzębia. These collaborations gave us access to an incredible collection of historically significant artifacts and architecture.

Here are just a few highlights we brought to life in the game:

- The Painted Village of Zalipie: Famous for its vibrant floral art, we scanned its unique patterns to add color and charm to the game world.
- The Petrified City in Ciężkowice: A nature reserve with striking natural rock formations that inspired dramatic landscapes, including the iconic "Witch Rock."
- Gallery of Bobbin Lace in Bobowa: Intricate lace designs from this gallery added rich, subtle details to our environments.
- Smaller treasures: Items like carved beehives, ruined arcades, and folk sculptures helped ground the world in authenticity.



[h3]The Resurrection of Slavic Myths[/h3]
Exploring Slavic mythology was a mix of inspiration and puzzle-solving. Unlike Greek or Norse myths, there’s no single Slavic canon, as these stories were passed down orally and vary by region. This fragmented tradition gave us a tapestry of legends to work with and weave into our narrative.

We created an original storyline inspired by Slavic myths, featuring fascinating elements like:

- Rarog: A fiery bird that brings good fortune—or grants wishes if its egg hatches.
- Fern Flower: A mythical bloom said to offer wisdom and power to those who find it.
- Slavic Deities: Gods like Svetovid, Svarog, Veles, Mohosh and Morana(Marzanna) appear in subtle yet meaningful ways.
- The Tree of Life: A central motif symbolizing the link between the living and the afterlife.
- Mystical beings like: will o' the wisps, household spirits, drowners (drowning spirits), samodiva (forest nymph), mare (demon that torments sleeping people) and leshy (forest guardians) add intrigue and mystery.




[h3]Reviving Slavic Traditions[/h3]
Each mission in the game is tied to a real Slavic festival or ritual, blending history and mythology seamlessly. Players will experience:

- Revival Festival (Jare Gody): A spring festival of rebirth related with the end of winter and the welcome of spring , featuring painted eggs, cleansing rituals, and protective charms.
- Kupala Night: Midsummer magic with bonfires, dances, and floating flower wreaths on the water, related with summer solstice
- Forefathers’ Eve (Dziady): A solemn time to honor ancestors with offerings and rituals.
- Koliada (Szczodre Gody): A celebration related to the winter solstice, with decorated homes and the symbolic didukh (first sheaf from the harvest symbolizing the souls of the ancestors).



[h3]A Narrative That Lets You Wander[/h3]
We wanted the story to feel as free-flowing as the myths that inspired it. Players can explore at their own pace, piecing together the narrative in their own way. The tale spans four seasons, each representing a distinct phase of the protagonists' lives, separated by decades. To immerse players even further, dynamic weather and changing environments reflect the passage of time.
With The End of The Sun, we hope to take players on a deeply personal journey, steeped in culture, myth, and the beauty of Slavic heritage. It’s an invitation to explore, uncover, and connect with stories that still resonate through time.


[h3]Check out our earlier dev Update:[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/912840/view/4456967897002016852


[h2]3 steps to do in 1 minute to help us in marketing: [/h2]

• Click THUMB UP under this update. With more thumbs, more players will see it.
  
• FOLLOW and WISHLIST our game.
  
• [color]Follow us on TikTok HERE[/color][color].[/color] This is really important for us.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/912840/The_End_of_the_Sun/




Thanks for all your ongoing support! 🔥
The End of the Sun Team

Hello Adventurers!

In today's post, we dive into the technical and creative journey behind The End of The Sun, an indie game that brings Slavic culture and history to life. When we started working on this project, our goal was to create an experience that would fully immerse players in this unique and magical world. Discover how we made it happen!



[h3]Realism Through Photogrammetry[/h3]

For us, making the game feel real was essential to bring Slavic culture to life. To achieve this, we used photogrammetry—a technology that allowed us to scan real objects and recreate them in the game with amazing detail. We visited ethnographic museums and open-air heritage sites, scanning items like painted cottages, traditional tools, and clothing to bring authentic objects directly into the game world. Every item you see in The End of The Sun is based on something real, giving players a chance to explore a world that reflects history.

Our focus on detail is everywhere in the game. From the texture of wood to the designs on traditional clothing, each element is crafted to make players feel they’re truly stepping into a real Slavic village.



[h3]Exploring Slavic Beliefs and Rituals[/h3]

Slavic beliefs and rituals are central to the story of the game. As players take on the role of Ashter, a time-traveling sorcerer, they’ll observe the lives and customs of villagers, experiencing key Slavic celebrations like Forefathers' Eve (Dziady) and Kupala Night. We wanted these rituals to be more than just scenery; they’re a deep part of the story, helping players connect with the traditions of the past.



[h3]Two Creators, One Vision[/h3]

Building a detailed and immersive world with just the two of us has been both challenging and rewarding. We took on nearly every part of development ourselves. The End of The Sun is a truly independent project, driven by our passion for Slavic culture and storytelling. Our Kickstarter backers were essential, giving us both the funding and confidence to bring this unique vision to life.




[h3]Join Us on a Journey into Slavic Fairy Tale[/h3]

For us, The End of The Sun is more than just a game; it’s a tribute to Slavic myths and legends, crafted with care and respect for the culture it represents. You can join us on this journey into a world that once was really soon.
Release date: January 2025!



[h3]Check out our earlier dev Update:[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/912840/view/4456967897002016852


[h2]3 steps to do in 1 minute to help us in marketing: [/h2]

• Click THUMB UP under this update. With more thumbs, more players will see it.
  
• FOLLOW and WISHLIST our game.
  
• [color]Follow us on TikTok HERE[/color][color].[/color] This is really important for us.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/912840/The_End_of_the_Sun/




Thanks for all your ongoing support! 🔥
The End of the Sun Team

Hello folks,

As the release of The End of The Sun draws near, we’ve decided to ramp up our news section and give you—especially new users—a closer look at what our game is all about: its world, setting, and what you can expect from the experience.

In the coming weeks, we plan to ignite your imagination, just like Svarog. So let’s get started.

What can you expect from The End of The Sun? We’re here to explain!





[h3]Experience the Magic[/h3]

Get ready to embark on a journey through a world that blends myth, folklore, and the supernatural. The End of The Sun invites you into a Slavic fairy tale where reality and legend intertwine. Inspired by rich Slavic mythology, the game brings to life a mysterious village where timeless stories, ancient rituals, and haunting myths await.


[h3]Explore a World[/h3]

In The End of The Sun, players take on the role of an Ashter—a wise sorcerer—gifted with the power to travel through time. Each season brings new insights, secrets, and stories, unfolding in a beautifully crafted open world. Move through time uncovering mysteries hidden across the seasons. Actions in the past will ripple forward, reshaping the future and deepening your connection to the characters and their fates.


[h3]Witness True Love[/h3]

Amidst exploration and adventure, you’ll discover the threads of a touching love story, woven into the fabric of this mythical village. From festivals celebrating life and nature to encounters with spirits and folklore, the narrative immerses you in the world of the ancients, where love and fate are often intertwined.


[h3]Mark Your Calendars[/h3]

With its captivating Slavic fairy tale setting, detailed world-building, and a storyline that resonates, The End of The Sun is a must-play for fans of exploration, folklore, and narrative-driven games. Add The End of The Sun to your wishlist now, and prepare to enter a realm where myth and reality converge this January 2025!

Don’t miss out—follow our Steam page for more updates, exclusive teasers, and insights into the making of this mystical adventure.


[h3]Check out our earlier dev Update:[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/912840/view/4456967897002016852


[h2]3 steps to do in 1 minute to help us in marketing: [/h2]

• Click THUMB UP under this update. With more thumbs, more players will see it.
  
• FOLLOW and WISHLIST our game.
  
• [color]Follow us on TikTok HERE[/color][color].[/color] This is really important for us.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/912840/The_End_of_the_Sun/




Thanks for all your ongoing support! 🔥
The End of the Sun Team

Hello, adventurers!

We're thrilled to announce that The End of The Sun will officially release in January 2025! Stay tuned for the exact date and the premiere of our brand-new trailer, coming soon!



[h2]What’s the current stage of development?[/h2]
Our main development phase is now complete! The End of The Sun is fully playable from start to finish. Both the English and Polish versions are finalized and thoroughly tested, and feedback from early testers has been overwhelmingly positive. They describe the game as uniquely atmospheric, full of surprises, and visually captivating. We’re beyond excited to hear this!

[h2]So, what are we working on now?[/h2]
Great question! Polishing is essential and takes time. Here’s what we’re currently focusing on:

• Translating The End of The Sun into additional languages.
  
• Fine-tuning gameplay for a smooth, immersive open-world experience. Small tweaks—like adding a road sign or hint—can make exploration even more engaging.
  
• Adding a final Easter egg with a bonus storyline.
  
• Testing compatibility with Mac and Linux platforms.
  
• Integrating Steam achievements and other Steam features.
  
• We’re aiming to have all development complete by the end of November.
  

[h2]Why is the release scheduled for January?[/h2]
While development is wrapping up, we want time to perfect our marketing efforts. Creating a high-quality trailer takes around a week, and as a small, dedicated two-person team, we sometimes need to account for personal responsibilities.
We’ll announce the exact release date as soon as we're sure everything is polished and ready for launch.

Our vision is to deliver the immersive journey of The End of The Sun exactly as we dreamed it seven years ago when we began this adventure!


[h3]Check out our earlier dev Update:[/h3]
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/912840/view/4201371495621352091


[h2]3 steps to do in 1 minute to help us in marketing: [/h2]

• Click THUMB UP under this update. With more thumbs, more players will see it.
  
• FOLLOW and WISHLIST our game.
  
• [color]Follow us on TikTok HERE[/color][color].[/color] This is really important for us.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/912840/The_End_of_the_Sun/
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2201430/The_End_of_the_Sun/

Check out the period drama with a murder mystery and great Easter Europe climate from our friends:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2695260/The_Crimson_Maid/



Thanks for all your ongoing support! 🔥
The End of the Sun Team